People who experience swelling of the face, throat, or tongue require emergency treatment. If this occurs, call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.

Managing side effects

A healthcare provider can give advice and other forms of support for people experiencing side effects of HIV treatment. If symptoms are severe or ongoing, healthcare professionals may recommend alternative medications.

It helps for people to discuss their lifestyle, needs, preferences, and current health status with their healthcare provider, who can take these into account when prescribing a treatment plan.

Interactions with other substances

Antiretroviral drugs can interact with other medications, supplements, and herbal products.

It is important to discuss all current medicines and supplements with a healthcare provider, as these can influence how HIV medication works. In some cases, they can cause adverse reactions.

When to start antiretroviral therapy

A person should seek treatment as soon as they receive an HIV diagnosis.

Guidelines from the HHS recommend that all individuals with HIV begin antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible. This gives people the best chance of reducing their viral load and risk of complications.

For some groups of people with HIV, it is especially important to seek immediate treatment.

Research suggests that prompt treatment reduces the risk of transmission, disease progression, and complications.

It also significantly increases life expectancy for many people. For example, according to a 2017 study in The Lancet HIV, a 20-year-old with HIV who lives in the U.S. or Canada and is receiving treatment has a life expectancy similar to that of the general population.

If a person with HIV does not receive treatment, the virus typically develops into AIDS within 10 years. AIDS causes irreversible immune system damage and a higher risk of infections and related cancers.

Takeaway

Antiretroviral drugs are effective treatments for HIV. Organizations around the world recommend that everyone with HIV begins this type of therapy as soon as possible.

These drugs can also reduce the risk of HIV-related complications, stop the virus from progressing, and limit or prevent transmission.

In addition, antiretroviral medicines increase a person’s quality of life and life expectancy.

Some people experience side effects, and these may go away after a few weeks of treatment. There are several classes of antiretroviral drugs, so even if one causes side effects, others may not.

A healthcare provider can offer information and guidance about treatment options for people with HIV.